Treatment options

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Hi all, I am new here and been diagnosed with T2 rectal (contained). I have been offered surgery for TAR with a permanent stoma or have option of external and internal radiotherapy, alongside chemo. I am so confused with which treatment plan to take and which has the better outcome of non recurrence.

Could anyone advise which would be the better option? I know it's my decision and no one can recommend but I want advice of best possible outcome. My nurse has said they are both good options and both were discussed at MDT.

Any help would be appreciated

Thankyou

court over 1 year ago

Hi Scared123

What a difficult decision. Do you feel more inclined to go down one path over the other ?

Have you asked your surgeon what the research is saying in terms of recurrence? Sometimes that can help separate the outcomes slightly .

Some will try and avoid a permanent stoma so go down that route but if you have not joined our stoma group please do so . It will give you insight into that aspect and help you make a more informed decision. Lots of good people there who will help you .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Artsie over 1 year ago

Hi Scare123

I had a similar option though not for Bowel cancer I had a second primary cancer picked up in in my lung a year later

I was told watch and wait. ( well that was not an option for me)

SABR. Targeted radiation or a lobectomy and segment

My Hubby chose the knife. Ha ha. Makes me laugh now

Anyway I was very confused and frightened so I did lots of research on both options and decided on that

This is a great place to do that
Also I wrote do the pros and cons of the two.

Is there a third option, have the chemo radiation to shrink it then the op to remove it

I may have confused you even more now.

sending you a hug

Ann
‍

Scared123 over 1 year ago in reply to court

Thanks for replying.

One day my mind is on the chemo/radio route but then I think about living with a stoma and having surgery.

My biggest fear is not the treatment but the recurrence and I want to chose the option with the best outcome.

I have only seen my specialist at my first appointment and I didn't have the questions ready.

Do you know what the group for stomas is called on here? I can't find anything x

Scared123 over 1 year ago in reply to Artsie

Hi Ann,

Thank you for your response. Good to hear you recovered well.

The options we face are tough and we just want best outcome.

They have given me option to reduce and then surgery but again I can't decide .

SarahH21 over 1 year ago in reply to Scared123

Hi Scared123

This is the link to the stoma group-

Stoma Support Group

Youll find lots of us there living well with temporary and permanent stomas so it might b3 good for you to get an idea of our perspective to help you make this difficult decision.

Sarah xx

Cervical Cancer Forum

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm